A home cook who rose to stardom in the world of cooking after winning the coveted MasterChef trophy back in 2014, Ping Coombes, with her family in tow, were in Sabah for a week earlier this month. Coombes was hosted by Hilton Kota Kinabalu during her stay in the Land Below The Wind.

Executive Chef Shanmugatha with his recreation of the signature dish, Kapitan Chicken Curry.

On a mission to spread her love for Malaysian food in the UK, MasterChef has been an integral platform that has allowed her to showcase an array of Malaysian flavours to a mass audience. More than just a talented chef, Coombes is the proud owner of Ping Pan-Asian, a new contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant and delicatessen, as well as an author of a best-selling cookbook, aptly named MALAYSIA.

During the trip, the accomplished chef met up with Hilton Kota Kinabalu’s Executive Chef Shanmuganatha and shared the recipe for one of her signature dishes, Kapitan Chicken Curry. A well-loved favourite in South East Asia, the aromatic dish utilises a blend of spices often used in Malay cooking and is frequently enjoyed with piping hot white rice or Roti Jala.

Coombes’ recipe features a delightful spice paste made from a host of local ingredients such as ginger, galangal, lemongrass, dried chilli, shallots, and more. The foundation of the punchy dish, the fragrant paste is balanced with thick coconut milk for creaminess and tamarind concentrate for a hint of tanginess.

The celebrity-inspired signature dish is now a permanent fixture in Urban Kitchen’s à la carte menu, the first for the all-day dining restaurant with global culinary selections with local specialties and western favourites. The delicious Kapitan Chicken Curry is a welcomed addition at RM48 nett.

Located on the same level as the lobby, Urban Kitchen is open daily from 6:30am until 10:30am for breakfast, and 12:00pm to 2:30pm for ala carte lunch. Buffet dinner is available from 6:30pm till 10:30pm at RM118 nett per adult from Sunday until Thursday and RM145 nett per adult on Fridays and Saturdays.

A special 25% discount is available for Hilton Dining members and a 20% discount for selected credit and debit cardholders.

Famous for being one of the states in Malaysia with the best and freshest produce from the sea, Urban Kitchen, the all-day dining outlet in Hilton Kota Kinabalu introduces Weekend Seafood Buffet, a Friday and Saturday-only feast for seafood lovers.

Accented by fishing nets as décor and servers dressed up as fishermen, the themed buffet is also an ode to one of the most prolific professions and industries in the country.

Located on the same level as the lobby, Urban Kitchen is open daily from 6:30am until 10:30am for breakfast, and 12:00pm to 2:30pm for à la carte lunch. Buffet dinner is available from 6:30pm till 10:30pm at RM118 nett per adult from Sunday until Thursday and RM145 nett per adult on Fridays and Saturdays.

A special 25% discount is available for Hilton Dining members and a 20% discount for selected credit and debit cardholders.

Heralding the cherished mid-autumn tradition of joyous reunions and mooncake eating, Promenade Hotels & Resort is Keeping up with traditions by preparing Promenade's very own Mooncakes in conjuction with the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival on 13th September 2019.

mooncakes are halal, with less sugar and minimum preservatives. Therefore, its best refrigerated. Beside selling our mooncakes here in Kota Kinabalu, we will also be making them available at Promenade Hotel Bintulu.

Promenade's Mooncakes will be on sale until the actual Mooncakes Festival Day (or while stocks last) on friday, 13th September 2019 from 10am - 8pm at Mooncake Sale Counter in Hotel Lobby and from 8pm-10pm at Dynasty Restaurant(Ground Floor).

In line with the merriment of this festival, gather your families and friends at their Halal Chinese Dynasty Restaurant Restaurant over a lavish Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu at Rm78 perpax with minimun of 2 pax per dining. For reservation, Please call F&B Hotline at

Jasvir San-Ghera or fondly know as Mama Duu is a seasoned Thai Cuisine expert with 31 years of delicious experiences in international hotels including Shangri-la Hotel Bangkok, Intercontinental Hotel Singapore, Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok, Plaza Athenee Bangkok A Royal Meredien, Novotel Bangkok, and Bangkok Marriot as well as JW Marriot Khao Lak Resort & Spa where she currently heads the Thai Kitchen.

Chef Mama Duu is also no stranger to cooking show - she was the guest chef at the Luxury Escapes programme Australian TV chanel 10, Khun Toi Kitchen on Thai TV3 channel, Chef Nic TV Show, The Six O'clock Show an Amarin TV. She also one of the judges for Iron Chef Thailand.

The 3-weeks gastronomic affair features a selection of ala carte - Monday to Wednesday from 12pm to 10pm, Thai Dinner Buffet - Thursday to sunday (except on 10 & 17 August) from 6.30pm to 10pm at RM 148nett (normal price) and RM128nett (prepaid voucher), One night in Bangkok, a delicious Thai Street Food experience at RM118nett (normal price) and RM90nett (early bird) on 10 & 17 August from 6.30pm to 10pm and learn how to cook like a Thai with Chef Mama Du in her Masterclass at RM118nett (normal price) andRM90 (early bird) on 14 & 21 August from 11am to 3pm inclusive of lunch. Children under four years age eats for free, whike children aged from 5 to 12 years enjoy a 50% off.

General Manager Kanit Sangmookda officiated the event with Mama Duu in a private Masterclass and food review at the hotel yesterday. "As the first Thai General Manager in Kota Kinabalu, I am pleased to share the food of my hometown. We already knew Thai food is popular among the locals especially when our Thai Journey Food Stall was named as the favourite during the recent Semarakkan Ramadan Buffet. We are honoured to have Chef Mama Duu to join this food fiesta" he said. Kanit and Chef Mama Duu have previously worked together to promote Thai Cuisine in Le Meredien Jakarta. "we hope everyone will enjoy the menu Chef Mama Duu have curated especially fot this event" he added.

Menu for the Masterclass with Chef Mama Duu yesterdayGreen Curry with fish

General Manager Kanit Sangmookda with Chef Mama Du

Guest dining at any of Amazing Thai Food Fiesta promotions stand a chance to win a return trip to bangkok sponsored by AirAsia + 3D2N stay in 5-star accomodations with breakfast for 2 person at Le Meredien Bangkok or Renaissence Bangkok. Just upload a photo of you enjoying the food fiesta the Amazing Thai Food Fiesta promotion and tell us why do you love Le Meredien Kota Kinabalu's Amazing Thai Food Fiesta and tag #lemeredienkkthaifoodfest #lemeridienkk.

Guest who attended the food review was also given an exclusive Masterclass session by Chef Mama Duu before they were introduced to her speciality dishes available throughout the Amazing Thai Food Fiesta.

In conjuction with the launching of the Amazing Thai Food Fiesta, Le Meredien Kota Kinabalu is offering a 3 day Flash sale where guests can enjoy a Buy One Free One Voucher for the Thai Dinner Buffet. "Guest can purchase these vouchers from Latest Recipe from 5 August to Wednesday, 7 August at only RM148nett.

For more information and reservation, please contact +6088 322 227_____________________________________________GALLERY